As we approach the longest night of the year, we are entering the maximal yin of the season. The winter is associated with kidneys in Chinese Medicine. This part of our body is the most taxed and vulnerable right now. While we attend to the health of our lungs and immune system, caring for our kidneys is an essential part of winter health.
1. Stay hydrated.
It is really hard to drink water when it's cold outside so this is a common time when people can get easily dehydrated. Ditch the ice water, try drinking lukewarm water or even getting into a habit of drinking hot water with lemon. While heaters are blasting in our homes, classrooms and workspaces, our bodies and throats are drying out. Keep trying for those 8 cups a day. Keep a thermos with you and just keep sipping. This will definitely pay off in the spring and summer.
2. Stay warm.
Our kidneys get taxed when they are constantly having to regulate our body temperature. Make sure to be bundled up when outside and especially to keep your mid to low back warm. Keeping your kidneys & core warm will keep your body functioning more smoothly, having more resources available to fight off viruses and bacteria rather than using all it's got to stay warm.
3. Eat seasonally.
While most farmers in the northern hemisphere are not harvesting during the winter, we can still eat appropriately for the season. Soups and stews are great choices for this time of year, as are curries, meats & warming spices. In a time of utmost yin, the yang of our body needs extra love. This can be attended to with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cumin, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, cayenne & galangal. If you like drinking Chai this is a great season for it!
4. Slow down.
In our all to productive lives, it can be very easy to keep running around and ignore the pull of the earth's rhythms in our bodies. Winter sports and hitting the gym are great ways to stay in shape, but consider doing less than you would in other seasons. The darkness draws our bodies to rest and rejuvenate for a reason. Curling up with a book or a boardgame, practicing an art form and having dinner with loved ones can be just as rewarding as bombing down a double diamond. Enjoy the sweetness and stillness that this season has to offer.
5. Get some acupuncture.
Come in for a session to address any stiff muscles, winter blues, immunity issues and to give your kidney yang some extra love. We can go over lifestyle challenges, nutrition, supplements and herbs. DM me to set something up!
